Magnetic tape stabilizer for a recording and playback device

Abstract

A recording and playback device utilizing magnetic tape, such as a tape cassette, as a recording medium includes a magnetic head arranged to contact one side of the magnetic tape and a stabilizer arranged positioned directly opposed the magnetic head corresponding to the opposite side of the magnetic tape such that the magnetic tape move along a path interposed between the stabilizer and the magnetic head. The stabilizer includes a tape slider surface in contact with the side of the tape opposite the magnetic head contacting side. Further, the tape slider surface of the stabilizer may be formed with a recessed portion and tape surface scraper portions. According to this structure vibration of the magnetic tape in the vicinity of the magnetic head is greatly reduced such that a head servo for control of the magnetic head may accurately position the magnetic head even in devices utilizing a very small track pitch. Also read/write error, tape dropout, and the like, due to foreign matter entering the tape path, is reliably prevented. Further, space between the magnetic tape and the head is reduced and contact pressure between the head and the tape is maintained to optimize recording and or playback operations between the head and the magnetic tape.